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Decrease in the rate of sensitization and clinical allergy to natural rubber latex
Author(s) -
Blaabjerg Michelle S. B.,
Andersen Klaus E.,
BindslevJensen Carsten,
Mortz Charlotte G.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
contact dermatitis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.524
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1600-0536
pISSN - 0105-1873
DOI - 10.1111/cod.12386
Subject(s) - medicine , sensitization , concomitant , allergy , latex allergy , oral allergy syndrome , dermatology , food allergy , natural history , immunology
Summary Background In the 1980s, a striking increase in natural rubber latex ( NRL ) allergy was seen. Since then, many measures have been taken to prevent NRL allergy. Objectives To investigate changes in the prevalence of NRL sensitization/clinical NRL allergy over time from 2002 to 2013. Methods All patients prick tested for NRL at the Department of Dermatology and Allergy Centre, Odense University Hospital were included in this study (n = 8580). In NRL ‐sensitized patients, the clinical relevance was evaluated for NRL . Furthermore, concomitant positive prick test results for birch pollen were recorded, together with food‐related symptoms and sensitization in a subgroup of patients. Results The prevalence of NRL sensitization declined from 6.1% in 2002–2005 to 1.9% in 2006–2009, and then to 1.2% in 2010–2013 ( p < 0.0001). The prevalence of clinical NRL allergy declined from 1.3% in 2002–2005 to 0.5–0.6% in 2006–2013 ( p < 0.004). Among the NRL ‐sensitized patients, 64% had a concomitant positive prick test reaction to birch pollen, and 52% had a history of reaction to oral intake of related fruits or vegetables. Conclusion Our study showed a statistically significant decline in the number of patients sensitized/clinically allergic to NRL . Many of the NRL ‐sensitized patients without clinical allergy to NRL had concomitant birch pollen sensitization, and reported food‐related symptoms.